Dean W. Fouts

Dean William Fouts, 63, of rural Mound Valley, Kansas, passed from this earth to live for eternity with his Heavenly Father at noon, Tuesday, January 5, 2021, surrounded by his family, at Via Christi-St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.

Dean was born on January 17, 1957, in Parsons to Gerald and Lola Mae (Hope) Fouts, the youngest of four children. He grew up on the family farm and in 1975, graduated from Labette County High School, where he excelled in FFA. In 1973, Dean began working at Johnson's Seed Company, where he later became manager. He held that position for 30 years, while also running the family farm alongside his father.

On May 27, 1978, Dean and Deborah "Debbie" Belknap were united in marriage in Chetopa. They raised their family in rural Mound Valley. Dean and Debbie owned and operated Altamont Grocery from 2010 to 2015. He drove a suburban for USD 506 and later began working at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center, where he currently was the Senior Equipment Operator.

Dean was a longtime member of the Mound Valley United Methodist Church. He was a current member of the Masonic Lodge # 69 in Altamont. He was the past president of the Kansas Crop Improvement Association and served for many years on the Board of Directors.

His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed farming.

Survivors include:

His loving wife of 42 years – Debbie Fouts, of the home

Two daughters – Heather Duke and her husband, Chris, of Lyndon, Kansas

Erica Deweese of Independence, Kansas

One son – Matthew Fouts of Oswego, Kansas

Eight grandchildren – Trinity, Hunter, Belinda, Braylynn, Brindley, Hope, Jonathon, and Brenley

His mother – Lola Mae Fouts of Mound Valley, Kansas

One sister – Joy Trotnic and her husband, Ronnie, of Wichita, Kansas

One brother-in-law – John McKinney and his wife, Lynn, of Anaheim, California

One sister-in-law – Kay Fouts of Duluth, Georgia

Numerous Nieces and Nephews

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Fouts; one sister, Brenda McKinney; and one brother, Gerald Richard Fouts.

There will be a private family funeral service.

The graveside service will be held at approximately 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the Mound Valley Cemetery. Masonic Rites will be given by the Altamont Masonic Lodge # 69. It will be open to the public.

Friends may call to sign the register from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 8, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to Mound Valley United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.